Howdy,
I have a bluegrass band coming into the studio this evening. As I normally record rock, I am looking for ways to pull this off. The producer of the project want these guys to track "Nashville style" everyone at once and bringing the vocalist and fiddle players back for overdubs. Lineup is 1) Upright Bass, 2) Acoustic Guitar, 3) Dobro, 4) Washboard, 5) Mandolin, 6) Fiddle, 7) Vox, 8) Background Vox.
The Vocalist is also the Acoustic player.
I have 1 iso booth, 1 big live room, control room, and another room that I could use but rather not.
What are some scenarios that will minimize bleed and maximize separation?
Hopefully some of these guys can run direct, but I don't know, so I would like to be prepared with some scenarios and alternatives. Thanks for all your help.
Comments
I have done a LOT of bluegrass. Ideally we had them all in iso
I have done a LOT of bluegrass. Ideally we had them all in iso booths, but I have also done it in live rooms.
You work with what you have and make them understand that bleed is a factor if they are playing live. You may have control of the LEVEL when it is finished, but if there is bleed you can't punch in. As long as they understand that ahead of time all will be well. They will have to go for the best performance of all players when recording, and plan on mixing levels.
It is not unusual for BG players to record vocals later.
The producer most likely will be resiistant to recording anuythi
The producer most likely will be resiistant to recording anuything direct .. and they instruments may not be equiped with pick ups.
Place the players in a circle or semi circle with as much room between them as is possible. Hopefully you have a large room to record them in.
They will likely want to record vocals at the same time they play, so be ready for that too ...